Modernising UK Pet Travel
Protecting Biosecurity.
Keeping Families Together.
Keeping families together without compromising UK biosecurity.
Pet Travel Reform UK is campaigning for a safe, evidence-based arrival process that allows compliant pet dogs and cats to travel in aircraft cabins from approved low-risk countries.
NEW — MAJOR CAMPAIGN DEVELOPMENT
Scottish GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS THERE IS NO LEGAL BAN ON PETS TRAVELLING IN AIRCRAFT CABINS
Pet Travel Reform UK has now received written confirmation from the Scottish Government that “there is no legal requirement that prevents a pet from travelling in the cabin of an aircraft.”
The Government confirmed that the key requirement is for the airline to be approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and to demonstrate suitable processes for health, identification and documentary checks.
It also confirmed that some charter airlines are already authorized to carry pets in-cabin into Great Britain, where compliant checking arrangements are in place.
Crucially, the Scottish Government has stated that airports and airlines are able to submit alternative proposals for consideration, provided the same import and biosecurity safeguards can be maintained.
This follows Pet Travel Reform UK’s meeting with Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC), where a controlled in-cabin arrival model was considered viable in principle. The strongest route identified was one closely based on the existing Recognised Assistance Dog process, using:
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pre-approval before travel
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advance notification to the UK
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an APHA-approved airline process
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controlled arrival
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authorised pet checks
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no release before clearance
HARC has since agreed to sound out airline contacts directly to explore whether there may be interest in an initial discussion.
Pet Travel Reform UK has also approached a wide range of international airlines. Delta Air Lines’ International Government Affairs & Policy team has confirmed that the proposal has been shared internally with the appropriate stakeholders.
The campaign has now moved beyond the question of whether in-cabin travel is legally possible. The next step is finding an airline willing to develop an approvable controlled-arrival process with HARC and the relevant authorities.
Our Mission
We are advocating for a modern, practical arrival process that allows compliant pet dogs and cats to travel in the aircraft cabin from approved low-risk countries.
Our goal is to protect the UK’s high biosecurity standards while ensuring that families can travel together safely and without unnecessary separation from their pets. We support practical reform that keeps the UK secure while allowing responsible pet owners to travel together with their dogs and cats throughout their journey.
Protect the UK's biosecurity.
Allow compliant pets to travel in the cabin.
Keep families together.
Meet the Founder
I never intended to start a national campaign. I simply wanted to travel safely with my dogs and was shocked to discover that current UK regulations prevent pets from travelling in the aircraft cabin on commercial flights to the UK.
As I researched the issue, I realised many other families faced the same challenge. That led me to contact MPs, submit Freedom of Information requests, and engage with government departments to seek practical reform.
Pet Travel Reform UK is campaigning for a modern, evidence-based arrival process that protects the UK’s high biosecurity standards while allowing compliant dogs and cats from approved low-risk countries to travel safely in the aircraft cabin.
This campaign is not about weakening biosecurity—it’s about modernising an outdated system so families can travel with their pets while maintaining robust health and import safeguards.
Since launching the campaign, I have met with my MP, worked with the House of Commons Library, submitted Freedom of Information requests, and continue to engage with government departments to advocate for practical, evidence-based reform.
Amanda Cameron
Founder | Pet Travel Reform Uk
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Join our community and help us advocate for practical evidence-based reform that protects UK biosecurity while allowing responsible pet owners to travel safely with their Dogs and Cats. Every voice helps demonstrate the need for the change..
Your support today helps us build the evidence for future government action.
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ADVOCATING FOR COMPASSIONATE POLICY REFORM